The 49ers currently are 8-2 against NFC foes, while the Saints are 6-3. So the Saints still need the 49ers to lose again while winning the rest of their games to get the No. 2 seed.

The Saints appear to have the easier schedule to close out the season. Their final three games are at Minnesota (2-11) and at home against Atlanta (8-5) and Carolina (4-9), giving the Saints final three foes a combined record of 14-25 (.358).

Meanwhile, the 49ers host Pittsburgh (10-3), before traveling to Seattle (5-7) and St. Louis (2-10). The 49ers final three opponents (Seattle and St. Louis play tonight) have a combined record of 17-20 (.459).

The Saints said Monday getting that second seed is important to them.

"That most definitely is important to us," Saints receiver and special teams ace Courtney Roby said of getting the No. 2 seed. "That is something that could help us out. We are definitely battling for that spot.

"That's something that you pay attention to. But we still have to go out and handle our business. As long as we go out there and continue to play everything will fall into place. But if we go out there and don't do the things we are supposed to then all that doesn't matter."

Even Saints Coach Sean Payton admitted he'll be keeping a watchful on how the 49ers play the rest of the way.

"I could tell you that we don't pay any attention to it, and that wouldn't be true," Payton said. "But it doesn't really begin to take place until December."